Why the crazies rule the radio
Ever wonder why the right wing continues to dominate talk radio, even as it loses elections?
Vertical integration: Precisely what the federal government has moved to ban in the television and movie industries with anti-trust actions. But the radio business has gotten a free pass.
Premiere Radio Networks, which syndicates righties Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Glenn Beck, and Dr. Laura, among others, is owned by the nation’s largest radio-station conglomerate, Clear Channel. Clear Channel, thanks to FCC deregulation, was allowed to gobble up over 1000 radio stations – including 16 of the most powerful, (lower-case) clear-channel AM stations in major markets. </em>
As always, follow the money.